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@Rabat الرباط

Rabat
The moment the pets stepped off the coach in Rabat, they were greeted by a range of sights, sounds and smells that instantly wrapped them in the warm embrace of this ancient city. The air was a delightful blend of ocean breeze and the aromatic spices that have become the very essence of Moroccan culture. As they walked through the streets, the cobblestone pathways whispered tales of a time when sultans and scholars alike had made this place their home.

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@Old City, Rabat

Their first stop was the majestic Kasbah of the Udayas, a fortress that has guarded the city since the 12th century. As the pets passed through its grand archways, it felt like an adventure lurked around every corner. The buildings looked as if they could have come straight from the pages of a fairytale.

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@Monument to Moulay Idriss II

Next, Karim guided them to a building whose facade was a kaleidoscope of life, adorned with an intricate mosaic of tiles that shimmered and shone with every hue imaginable. The blues reminded them of the vast Atlantic Ocean, the greens echoed the lush gardens hidden within the city walls and the reds and oranges blazes with the fieriness of the desert sunsets they had come to know so well. The geometric patterns showed to them a world of meticulous craftsmanship and Moorish grandeur.

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@Traditional Moroccan Meal

Karim guided them into a dimly lit restaurant in the heart of Rabat. The aromas of a traditional Moroccan feast wafted through the air, with a tantalising blend of spices and flavours. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and pottery and the colourful cushions and low wooden tables created an atmosphere that invited them to savour every moment of this culinary adventure.

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@Lake Lalla Takerkoust, nr Rabat, Morocco

Lalla Takerkoust was formed over 20,000 years ago as a result of tectonic activity. It is fed by several rivers and streams, and is surrounded by lush forests and fields. The lake is known for its clear, blue water and is a popular spot for swimming and boating. The surrounding area is also a haven for local flora and fauna.

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@Clay House

As they strolled through the enchanting streets of Rabat, Karim pointed out to them a typical clay house with intricately designed window shutters. The sun cast a warm glow on the terracotta façade of the house.

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@Formal Gardens

The grandeur of the Royal Palace, with its imposing gates and immaculate gardens, was a stark reminder of Rabat's regal lineage. The sound of the fountains provided a tranquil backdrop to the hustle and bustle of the city outside.

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@Hassan Tower, Architectural Detail, Rabat

The moment the pets set foot within the tower's shadow, they were transported back in time to the 12th century, when the Caliph had envisioned this colossal minaret as part of his grand mosque. The unfinished structure stood tall. The base of the tower was a square, 140 ft on each side, and if completed, the minaret would have been the largest in the world. Karim brought to life the labours of the craftsmen toiling under the unforgiving sun to bring this ambitious project to life.

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@Hassan Tower, Rabat

Karim explainted that it was once intended to be the largest mosque in the world, with enough space to accommodate 200,000 worship­pers. The tower was to be part of an even grander plan that included a madrassah, or Islamic school, and a mausoleum for the sultan and his family. The archaeological site surrounding the tower was a labyrinth of history, with remnants of Roman and Andalusian influences scattered about.

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@Pottery Craft

The vibrant Medina beckoned the pets next, a labyrinth of alleyways teeming with life. Each turn revealed a new treasure: a tapestry of rich fabrics, a sizzling tagine stew, or a craftsman meticulously working on an intricate piece of leather or metal. The souks, or markets, were a sensory feast, with the alluring scent of fresh mint and spices leading them through a maze of stalls bursting with treasures waiting to be discovered.

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@Oualidia

The moment they arrived at the rocky lake near Rabat, serenity washed over them. The sun, a warm and welcoming embrace, cast its rays upon the rippling waters, transforming the lake into liquid gold. The rugged landscape, a harmonious blend of earthy browns and vivid greens, stood in stark contrast to the azure sky adorned with fluffy clouds that danced lazily overhead.

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@Atlas Mountain Range

As they stood in the foothills, the early morning light revealed a landscape that seemed to have been painted by the hand of an ancient artist. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the faint scent of pine and the distant whispers of the local Berber dialect.

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@Traditional Mosque

Karim escorted the pets to view the exterior of a traditional mosque in Rabat. They were struck by its awe-inspiring beauty. The vibrant shades of blue, green and gold created a mesmerising pattern. The minarets soared high into the azure sky, their pointed tips almost seeming to brush the clouds. The carved wooden doors, studded with brass, hinted at the tranquillity within. The calligraphic inscriptions that adorned the walls were prayers from the Quran, each curve and swirl brought to life by ancient artisans.

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@Palm Trees and Sand

The horizon unfurled before the pets like an ancient scroll. The sand stretched out, a vast and unblemished canvas. Palm trees, sentinels of the desert, stood tall and proud, their silhouettes etched against the vibrant backdrop, swaying gently in the breeze.

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@Spicy Split Pea Soup

As they sat nestled in the cosy corner of this vibrant Rabat restaurant, the aroma of the spicy split pea soup wafted through the air, setting their taste buds ablaze with anticipation. The rich, golden hue of the soup beckoned from the steaming bowl placed gently before each pet. The first spoonful was a tantalising blend of earthy cumin, smoky paprika and a hint of cinnamon. The tender split peas grown under the warmth of the Moroccan sun, mingled with the velouté broth. The occasional crunchy, perfectly toasted crouton brought a satisfying contrast to the smooth, creamy base.

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@Curious Camel

The pets found themselves face-to-face with the most curious creature: a majestic camel. With its long neck elegantly arched and dark eyes gleaming with an ancient wisdom, it regarded them with an intensity that seemed to peer straight through my soul. Its hump, a testament to its resilience in this arid landscape, swayed gently as it took a step closer. The encounter was silent, but the air was thick with curiosity and respect. Some of the larger pets reached out tentatively with their paws, while the camel leaned in, allowing the pets to stroke its velvety muzzle. It sniffed the air around them, as if trying to understand the essence of these strange creatures standing before it. In that instant, time seemed to pause, and the vastness of the desert melted away, leaving only this profound connection between several beings sharing a fleeting moment of connection.

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As they stepped through the grand, arched entrance of the opulent spa in Rabat, the trickling fountains and sweet-smelling incense whispered a warm welcome. The grandeur of the place immediately embraced them, with its gleaming marble floors that reflect the intricate mosaic patterns adorning the walls. The soft glow of pendant lamps, shimmering through intricately carved metal screens, cast a warm, intimate light that dancedwith the shadows of ornate plasterwork on the ceilings. In the central courtyard a serene pool, surrounded by lush greenery and sculpted archways, invited them to shed the weight of the outside world. There were the soothing sounds of a distant oud.

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@View over Moroccan Landscape

The call to prayer from a distant minaret echoed through the valleys, melding with the rustling of leaves and the chirp of early birds. A sense of serenity pervaded, yet the mountains loomed with a silent challenge, their jagged silhouettes a stark contrast to the quietude of the surrounding countryside.

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@Argan Tree

Days begin with the gentle plucking of the fruit, each one a jewel to be cracked open to reveal the tender kernels within. They deftly extract the golden elixir, droplet by precious droplet. Argan oil, a liquid amber, holds within it the essence of the desert's bounty.

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@Kasbah D'If

They ended the day at the Oudaias Café, nestled in the serene Kasbah Oudaias, sipping on mint tea and watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in a palette of pinks and oranges. The call to prayer from the nearby minarets served as a soothing backdrop to the chirping of birds that had come to rest in the lush gardens.

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@Saharan Sunset

The city lights of Rabat begin to twinkle in the distance, a stark contrast to the natural beauty before them. As the heat of the day slowly subsided, it left behind a gentle embrace of welcome coolness.

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@Beach at Dusk

The warmth of the day gently faded into the cool embrace of the evening breeze, carrying with it the sweet scent of saltwater tinged with the aroma of freshly grilled sardines from nearby cafés.

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@Sunset over Sahara

The horizon stretched out before them like an untouched canvas, the dunes whispering secrets to the approaching night. The air was thick with the scent of warm sand and a hint of the distant sea, a symphony of silence occasionally disrupted by the distant call of a solitary bird.

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@Night Scene, Rabat

The real heart of the city, however, was the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square in the new town. As the sun began to set, the square came alive with the sound of laughter and the hypnotic beats of Gnawa music. Storytellers wove magical tales, while snake charmers and acrobats captivated the crowd. The air was thick with the smell of grilled meats and sweet pastries, and the sight of the vibrant stalls offering everything from traditional Moroccan teapots to hand-woven rugs was a feast for the eyes.

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@Coastal Sunset

The waves whispered their final goodbye to the shore, retreating with a gentle shush, leaving behind a glittering path of seashells and foam.

CHAMP has enjoyed touring Morocco, but it is time to go home. Please select another pet as visitor, so they can also enjoy this event!